Bill
S 40
Massachusetts bill requires the State Treasurer to develop and periodically update a public education module on cryptocurrencies and digital assets for residents.
Status snapshot
- Bill number: S.40 (Print No. 40A)
- Filed: Senate Docket No. 2430 (filed 01/17/2025); introduced 01/09/2025
- Sponsor (filed in MA Senate): Barry R. Finegold (Second Essex & Middlesex)
- Current status notes: Referred to various committees (Judiciary; Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity; Transportation listed in records); hearing scheduled 07/10/2025 (1:00–5:00 PM, room A-2).
Note on source materials: the package you provided contains inconsistent metadata (multiple, unrelated titles and garbled content and a list of federal senators as “sponsors”). The operative legislative text reproduced below is from the Massachusetts Senate filing by Senator Finegold; consult the Massachusetts Legislature’s official site for the authoritative version.
Purpose and intent
- To provide Massachusetts residents with publicly available educational materials about cryptocurrencies and digital assets so consumers can better oversee personal finances, practice sound money-management, and protect their digital financial security.
Key provision(s)
- Adds a new Section 79 to Chapter 10 of the Massachusetts General Laws to require:
- The Office of the State Treasurer and Receiver General to develop a digital module and related resources on cryptocurrencies and digital assets.
- The Treasurer’s Office to periodically review and update that module and resources to keep the material current.
What the bill does not specify (important limits)
- No specific funding appropriation, staffing levels, or deadline for producing the module is included in the text.
- No mandated curriculum standards, required dissemination channels, or enforcement mechanisms are specified.
- No numeric performance metrics, required partnerships, or interagency responsibilities are defined in the text as provided.
Who is affected
- Primary: Massachusetts residents and consumers seeking information about cryptocurrencies and digital assets.
- Administrative: Office of the State Treasurer — responsible for development, review, and updates; may require staff time, expertise, or contracting for content development.
- Indirect: consumer protection advocates, financial educators, community organizations and potentially financial services entities (as content consumers or partners).
Potential impacts and considerations
- Consumer benefits: improved financial literacy and security awareness regarding digital assets; potential reduction in fraud/victimization if materials are widely used and kept current.
- Administrative/fiscal: the Treasurer’s Office will incur development and maintenance costs (not itemized in the bill); may need expertise in crypto, cybersecurity, and adult financial education.
- Policy tradeoffs: an education-focused approach increases public knowledge but does not create regulatory authority, licensing, or direct consumer protections (e.g., enforcement, dispute resolution, or liability rules).
Procedural / timeline details
- Introduced 01/09/2025; Senate docket filed 01/17/2025.
- Referred to committee(s) (judiciary and/or technology-related committees per docket).
- Hearing scheduled for 07/10/2025 (A-2).
- Print No. 40A issued 05/27/2025.
Where to get the authoritative text and status
- Massachusetts Legislature website (bill search for S.40, Print No. 40A, 2025–2026 session) or the Office of the State Treasurer for information on any materials produced after enactment.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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